The Australian skipper has taken over 300 dismissals in 71 Test matches with an stellar bowling average.
Australia's chair of selectors George Bailey has declared that pace spearhead Cummins will have a crucial role in the forthcoming historic rivalry.
Rumors had circulated that the veteran bowler might be unavailable due to a stress fracture in his back that had not yet healed.
Previous updates from team management suggested no definitive call had been made regarding whether he would play, with the extended contest set to start on November 21 in the WACA.
The selector shared that his recovery is on track and remained hopeful about his chances of taking part.
"We know that the window is narrowing and there are permutations around that, aside from the physical problem, but further aspects," the selector added.
"The outlook is good. There's strong faith that he'll participate in a significant role. Ideally it's the first Test. Otherwise, then we'll pick it up."
Previous Setbacks
Cummins was ruled out the ODI and T20 games against both Asian and Trans-Tasman rivals last month after scans revealed a stress reaction in his back.
Previous incidents include of recurring issues, with flare-ups in several earlier campaigns forcing him out of several home seasons in a limited period.
He emphasized he would be proactive in his approach in his recovery plan to ensure his availability for the contest.
He mentioned that it was unclear if he had started his bowling workouts as part of his comeback but admitted it was "pressing" for him to regain fitness for the first Test.
Alternative Arrangements
If he's unavailable, former captain Steve Smith will assume leadership.
All-rounder Cameron Green was withdrawn recently from Australia's squad for their ODI contests against the subcontinent side as a safety move because of discomfort in his torso.
He labeled it as a "slight concern and mentioned that he's scheduled to appear in the domestic first-class competition, so will be "ideally positioned to be ready to bowl."
"We put so much time has gone into building out the plan for him to be available for the opening match as an batting and bowling option," the selector detailed.
"He was only going to play the initial matches in any case. How he handles the willow in shorter formats, should it hinder progress for a short period, the choice was made to adopt a safer strategy."
Fixture Details
Australia vs England: The Ashes
Spanning from late 2025 to early 2026
